First Test Images of LXDE Lubuntu Available

The LXDE team is working on a lite variant of Ubuntu that will run on PCs with less than 265 MB. First images are now ready to test.

Lubuntu is based on the current pre-version of Ubuntu 9.10, "Karmic Koala" and uses the lightweight LXDE desktop. On his blog, project leader Mario Behling reports of two Lubuntu versions, one with a mere 381 MB and another even smaller with just 292 MB.

Based on the work of David Sugar, the project was born in March 2009 with the goal of creating a slimline, resource-sensitive alternative to the Ubuntu derivative Xubuntu, which according to the developers, did not offer enough support for older hardware. The project is aimed at systems with less than 256 MB. More information can be found at Launchpad and a Wiki page is also available. Just as Kubuntu and Xubuntu, the project hopes to become the officially supported Ubuntu derivative.

Behling is inviting to test the software and is asking for feedback. With the first link deactivated due to bandwidth problems, an alternative torrent has now been set up.

The final version should appear October 29, coinciding with the release of Ubuntu 9.10 aka Karmic Koala.